Ben Jackson
Upsolve Co-founder and Chief Product Officer
Ben Jackson co-founded Upsolve after his own experience navigating $60,000 of crippling debt and finding freedom through bankruptcy. That journey opened his eyes to how inaccessible and confusing the bankruptcy process was for millions of Americans who needed a fresh start. Motivated by the belief that everyone deserves a second chance, Ben set out to build a tool that simplifies bankruptcy, making it easier for individuals to escape debt and rebuild their financial lives. Along the way, he earned a certificate in Legal Tech and Innovation, fellowships from Equal Justice America and The Kent Justice Foundation, and a law degree from the Chicago-Kent College of Law. His personal story of overcoming financial hardship drives his mission to empower others to achieve the same freedom.
Articles written by Ben Jackson
If I received a discharge, when can I refile?
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 30, 2025
If your bankruptcy was fully discharged, you can refile bankruptcy after a certain amount of time has passed. If you file before the time limit is up, you will not be entitled to have your debts discharged.
Read More →Creditor Calling After You File Bankruptcy? Do This.
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 30, 2025
Creditors and debt collector aren't allowed to contact you after you file your bankruptcy case with the court. If a creditor contacts you anyway, it's usually by mistake. Answer the phone, tell them about your pending bankruptcy, and request that they stop calling. If they continue to contact you, let the court know right away, so they can put an end to it immediately and, if appropriate, punish the creditor for their conduct.
Read More →How To Deal With Penn Credit
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 28, 2025
Penn Credit is a third-party debt agency that collects on past-due bills from hospitals, governments, toll road operators, and utility companies. If Penn Credit contacts you to collect a debt, validate the debt before you pay anything. If the debt isn’t yours or the amount is incorrect, dispute it. If the debt is yours but you are unable to pay it, consider negotiating a settlement.
Read More →Credit Unions & Bankruptcy
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 28, 2025
If you are a member of a credit union, there are some specific things to consider that are unique to this type of organization. Keep reading to learn how bankruptcy affects your credit union accounts.
Read More →How To Answer a Washington Debt Collection Court Summons
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 28, 2025
If you’re sued for a debt in the state of Washington, it’s important to respond! And it might be easier than you think. Here are the basic steps: 1. Fill out an answer and appearance form. 2. Complete a certificate of service form. 3. File your forms with the court within 20 days of receiving the summons. 4. Deliver a copy of your answer form to the person suing you.
Read More →How To Fight Student Loan Debt in Bankruptcy: Adversary Proceedings Explained
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 28, 2025
If you want to get your federal student loan debt discharged as part of your bankruptcy case, you’ll need to file an adversary proceeding (AP). An AP is a legal process used in bankruptcy court to resolve specific issues or disputes that arise during a bankruptcy case. Due to changes in late 2022, APs for federal student loan discharge may look different than other APs. Under the 2022 guidance, discharge proceedings are meant to be simpler and more efficient for bankruptcy filers. If you’re filing an adversary proceeding to discharge federal student loans, you may be able to handle it yourself, without hiring an attorney. This article explains how APs work for bankruptcy filers seeking to discharge student loan debt through bankruptcy.
Read More →What Are the Arizona Bankruptcy Exemptions?
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 28, 2025
Exemptions help you protect your property and assets in bankruptcy. There are both state and federal exemptions, but Arizona has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions. That means, if you’ve lived in Arizona for at least two years when you file your bankruptcy case, you have to use Arizona's exemption laws. Arizona has a generous homestead exemption of $250,000. The motor vehicle exemption is $15,000 for single filers (or $25,000 if you or a dependent is disabled). Arizona does not have a wildcard exemption.
Read More →Your Guide to Oklahoma’s Debt Collection Laws
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 28, 2025
If you live in Oklahoma, your best line of protection against unfair debt collectors is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This is a federal consumer protection law. Oklahoma hasn’t passed any state-specific debt collection laws to protect its residents. The statute of limitations for written debt contracts — including medical debt and credit card debt — is four years in Oklahoma.
Read More →How Do You Cancel (Vacate) a Court Judgment?
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 28, 2025
If a judge has issued a default judgment against you, you may be able to have it vacated (canceled) by filing a formal request with the court. This request is called a motion. To successfully have a default judgment vacated, you’ll need to have a good reason for not participating in the lawsuit that led to the default judgment. You should also have your defenses for the original lawsuit prepared. If the court approves the motion, it will review the original debt collection case.
Read More →How To Deal With Resurgent Capital Services
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 28, 2025
Resurgent Capital Services is a legitimate debt collection agency that collects past-due credit card bills, medical bills, and other consumer debt. The first thing you should do if Resurgent contacts you is verify the amount of the alleged debt and that it actually belongs to you. After confirming the debt is yours, you can choose how to address the situation. If you disagree with any details of the debt, you can dispute it. If you agree that you owe it, you can pay it in full or try to negotiate a debt settlement to pay a reduced portion of the debt.
Read More →Can I File Bankruptcy if I’m in a Debt Relief Program?
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 28, 2025
Yes, you can file bankruptcy even if you’re in or were in a debt relief program such as a debt management plan. Once you file your bankruptcy case with the court, you can stop making the payments under the debt relief plan you’re in (if you haven’t already). Once the bankruptcy court grants your discharge, you won’t have to worry about repaying the debts included in your case. Many people can benefit from other debt-relief options before filing bankruptcy, but sometimes bankruptcy is the best choice to meet your financial goals and take control of your debt.
Read More →Your Guide to Washington’s Debt Collection Laws
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 28, 2025
Washington has two state debt collection laws: the Washington Collection Agency Act (CAA) and the Washington Consumer Protection Act (CPA). Combined, these two laws provide important protections for state residents against original creditors, third-party debt collectors, and debt buyers. Washington residents get further protection from the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The statute of limitations for credit card debt and medical bills in Washington state is six years.
Read More →3 Steps To Getting a Fee Waiver in Bankruptcy Court (Guide)
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 28, 2025
If you can’t pay the filing fee, you may be able to get the filing fee waived, if you’re eligible, or pay the fee in installments after filing your bankruptcy case, once you’re protected by the automatic stay. Here we discuss the different fee-waiver forms you will need and how to fill them out.
Read More →Your Guide to Missouri’s Debt Collection Laws
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 28, 2025
Missouri residents are best protected against debt collector misconduct by the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The FDCPA protects consumers against debt collector harassment, deception, and other unfair practices. In Missouri, the statute of limitations for open accounts — which often includes credit card debt — is five years. The statute of limitations for debts backed by written contracts is 10 years. This often includes medical bills.
Read More →Every Type of Bankruptcy Explained
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 24, 2025
There are six different types of bankruptcies. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are the most common types of personal bankruptcy. Chapter 7 is also called a liquidation. It allows the filer to get rid of most of their debts without repaying anything. It works best for individuals without assets like a home. Chapter 13 bankruptcy puts the filer on a repayment plan and can help protect assets like a home. The goal of personal bankruptcies like Chapter 7 and 13 is to give the filer a financial fresh start and relieve them of debt they may never be able to repay. Businesses, farmers, and municipalities can also file bankruptcy under Chapters 9, 11, 12, and 15. These less common types of bankruptcy may be used to restructure or reorganize debt.
Read More →What Happens to My IRS Tax Debt if I File Bankruptcy?
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 24, 2025
The most common of all of debts owed to the IRS is unpaid income taxes, sometimes called back taxes. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is an option if your tax debt meets certain requirements.
Read More →I got my Chapter 7 discharge! Now what?
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 24, 2025
Monitor your credit report, stick to a budget, live within your means, rebuild your credit and live your life with a fresh start!
Read More →Can I File for Bankruptcy After a Lawsuit?
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 24, 2025
Yes, you can file for bankruptcy even after being served with a lawsuit or having a judgment entered against you. Bankruptcy offers a way to manage overwhelming debt and protect yourself from further legal action. Once you file, most lawsuits are paused through an automatic stay. This process can provide the relief and fresh financial start you need.
Read More →Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: What Can You Keep?
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 24, 2025
Exemptions are the laws that designate what property you can keep during and after your bankruptcy. Chapter 7 bankruptcy exemptions allow most filers to protect all their property during their bankruptcy case. Property includes everything from you home and car to household goods and personal items.
Read More →How To Deal With LVNV Funding
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 24, 2025
LVNV Funding is a third-party debt collection agency that collects on overdue consumer credit cards and loans. If they are contacting you, your first action should be to validate the debt. Make sure the details they have are accurate before disclosing any information or making payments. Since LVNV Funding purchases debts that have been charged off, they often have inaccurate information. If you do owe LVNV Funding, a great strategy is to negotiate a settlement. You will pay less than the original amount and have peace of mind knowing the debt is behind you.
Read More →How To Deal With CBE Group
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 24, 2025
CBE Group LLC is a legitimate debt collection agency focusing on consumer debts. If CBE Group contacts you, you’ll first want to validate the alleged debt. After confirming the debt is yours, you can decide how to address matters with CBE Group LLC. Your main choices include disputing the debt (especially if you find inaccuracies or disagree with the specified amount) or negotiating to settle the debt. If you negotiate to settle the debt, you pay a reduced portion of the total amount owed.
Read More →How To Find Out Which Collection Agency You Owe
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 24, 2025
If you have a debt that gets sent to collections, you may be confused about who you owe. To find out which collection agency you owe, you can contact the original creditor or check your credit report. If a collection agency has been in contact with you, ask them to verify the debt. Compare this information with the information on your credit report and your personal financial records so you don’t pay more than you owe or get scammed.
Read More →How Do You Answer a Summons for Debt Without an Attorney?
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 24, 2025
If you receive a summons and complaint from a debt collector or creditor, it means you’re being sued for unpaid debt. It’s important to respond to (or answer) the lawsuit. You do this by filing official paperwork with the court. Be sure to address every point in the complaint, raise any defenses you have, and file the paperwork within the time frame provided. Debt collectors are counting on you not to answer the lawsuit so that they can win by default. Don’t be intimidated! Take control and learn how to file an answer by reading this guide. You do not need an attorney to answer a debt collection lawsuit successfully.
Read More →Why Is Chapter 13 Probably a Bad Idea?
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 23, 2025
Chapter 13 can be a helpful way for some people to reorganize and repay their debts. It’s often used by homeowners or people who own expensive property or assets they want to hang on to. But Chapter 13 requires a 3–5-year repayment plan, and many people aren’t able to successfully complete that plan. Also, it’s really difficult to file Chapter 13 successfully without a lawyer.
Read More →Should I File For Bankruptcy or Try Debt Relief?
Written by Ben Jackson. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 23, 2025
When you’re trying to figure out the best debt relief option, first consider how much debt you have, whether you want to call in outside help or support, how quickly you’re hoping to repay the debt, and how important your credit score is to you right now. You have several debt-relief strategies available to you, and each has its pros and cons.
Read More →Can I Keep My Property If I File for Bankruptcy?
Written by Ben Jackson. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 23, 2025
The majority of Chapter 7 filers keep all of their property when they file for bankruptcy. Chapter 7 is sometimes called “liquidation bankruptcy” because the case trustee has the right to sell any property that isn’t protected by exemptions, but this very rarely happens. The goal of bankruptcy is to give you a fresh start without starting over from nothing.
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free: A 10-Step Guide
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Ben Jackson. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 23, 2025
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a powerful debt relief tool. It helps give a fresh start to those who are drowning in debt and can't see a way out. Though bankruptcy requires a lot of paperwork and documentation, many people with simple cases file successfully on their own without a lawyer. Here are the 10 steps to file your case successfully: 1. Collect your documents 2. Take the required credit counseling course 3. Complete the required bankruptcy forms 4. Get your filing fee ready or fill out a fee waiver request 5. Print your completed bankruptcy forms 6. Go to the court to file your forms 7. Mail required documents to your trustee 8. Take the second required bankruptcy course on financial management 9. Attend the 341 meeting with your trustee 10. Deal with your car loan if you have one
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